Shelving ideas – 10 of the best

Shelving that runs from floor to ceiling takes advantage of all space available. This cosy living room is full of furniture found in Parisian flea markets and houses special pictures and books. Using a light roman blind on the window allows for maximum reading light during the day, while the open fire will provide a warm glow at night.

Modern coastal living room with alcove shelving

Keep your living room tidy and organised with a selection of shelves built into the alcoves. Various shades and textures have been used for tone and warmth and mixed with reclaimed pieces with big, comfy seating for a cosy living scheme that makes you feel like you’re cocooned.

Contemporary living room with wrap-around storage

We all need a place to keep our bits and bobs, so a good storage unit, like this bepoke one, is vital to keep your living room clutter-free. A mix of wood and concrete keeps the look fresh and modern. This clever unit also helps to incorporate the TV into the rest of the design scheme.

New England kitchen with open shelving

Hard surfaces and simple, practical fittings give this spacious kitchen an industrial feel. Open shelves add rustic chic to this elegant kitchen, while making the most of the space and allowing you show off your crockery collection. The island unit doubles up as a worksurface and breakfast bar.

Dressing room-cum-bathroom with bespoke shelving

A classic roll-top bath takes centre stage in this fabulous dressing room that’s every girl’s dream. Bespoke shelving has been built along one wall to house shoes and bags – the top shelves can be reached by a handy, library-style ladder. A decorative screen creates privacy, while the addition of a velvet-upholstered daybed guarantees a luxurious place to relax.

Fitted bathroom shelves with vintage cupboard doors

Bespoke shelving units built on either side of the basin and countertop maximise space in this small bathroom. The vintage cabinet doors and dressing stool add a rustic edge to the modern cabinets. The doors on the cupboards are just transparent enough to reveal the colours of the bath products inside, but without looking messy. The gilt mirror adds an eye-catching finishing touch.

White dining room with display shelf

Storage isn’t always about concealing belongings. If you have objects that are worthy of showing off then display them along an open shelf. Match them to the wall colour for a seamless, unobtrusive look or create a feature with a contrasting material. Pale furniture, panelling and raw fabrics combine for a light country-style dining room scheme.

Eclectic dining room with alcove shelves

A white room, with shelving built into the alcoves to hold favourite
books and trinkets, is the perfect base to display an eclectic selection
of personal treasures. Although the pieces used to furnish the space
are of different styles – an antique sideboard, vintage map and retro
furniture – they sit alongside one another without jarring.

Alcove home office with built-in shelves

If you’re short on space, make the most of every square inch you have. This compact study fits neatly into an alcove – the perfect size for a mini home office. Vintage-style fittings have been paired with industrial fixtures for a rustic, lived-in feel. Choosing a wall-mounted lamp over a desk lamp is another canny space-saving trick.

Child’s room with bespoke bunk bed and shelves

This children’s room has a modern look with chunky tongue-and-groove panelling and pale wood flooring. However, the stars of the show are the innovative built-in bunk beds, which incorporate a den-like lower bunk, a top-of-the-world upper bunk, plus a mini staircase and integrated book shelving. Similar flooring Dinesen